What is core words in speech therapy?

The small set of powerful words (about 200-400) that make up 80% of what we say every day. Words like "go," "stop," "more," "want," "help" are more useful than nouns like "truck" because they work in many situations. Example: "Go," "stop," "more," "help," "want," "no," "yes" are all core words.

📚Language Development

Core Words

What is core words in speech therapy?

Example

"Go," "stop," "more," "help," "want," "no," "yes" are all core words.

🔊 Using "go" and "stop" with vehicles

How can I help my child with core words?

Vehicle play naturally incorporates core words: "go," "stop," "more," "fast," "big."

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About this guide: This glossary is designed to help parents understand speech therapy terminology. Definitions are simplified for clarity and informed by resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Not medical advice: This information is educational only. For concerns about your child's speech development, consult a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP).Find an SLP near you →

Learn More From Trusted Sources

ASHA: Speech & Language Development Chart— Official milestones by age
ASHA: Late Blooming or Language Problem?— When to seek help
Identify the Signs— ASHA's early intervention resource

Parents Also Ask

What are core words and why do they matter?▼

Core words are the 200-400 most frequently used words in any language—words like "go," "stop," "more," "want," "help," "no." They make up 80% of what we say! Teaching core words gives children flexible communication power across many situations.

Why are core words better than nouns?▼

"Truck" only works when talking about trucks. But "go" works everywhere: "go truck," "go outside," "go eat," "go home." Core words are verbs, adjectives, and pronouns that combine with any topic. They're the building blocks of sentences.

How do I teach core words at home?▼

Use core words during play: "Ready, set, GO!" "STOP the truck!" "Want MORE?" "Need HELP?" Model them constantly. Vehicle play is perfect because it naturally uses go, stop, fast, slow, up, down, in, out, more, again.

"I got to use Little Wheels and I love it — it's engaging and fun for therapy."

Brandi Keith, M.S. CCC-SLP — Speech-Language Pathologist

Trusted by 25+ Speech-Language PathologistsSee all SLP reviews →

Related Terms

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

Any tool that helps a child communicate without speaking—picture boards, apps, sign language, or speech devices. AAC does NOT prevent speech; it supports communication while speech develops.

Vocabulary

All the words your child knows—both words they understand (receptive) and words they say (expressive). By age 2, most children have 200-300 words. Vocabulary size is one of the best predictors of later reading success.

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Receptive Language Expressive Language Language Delay Late Talker Vocabulary Joint Attention

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Support Your Child's Speech Development

Little Wheels apps use vehicle-based learning to make speech practice engaging and fun. Perfect for home practice between therapy sessions.

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